Machining Centres Have Extensive Possibilities

Geo Kingsbury has introduced multiple options for automation based on a pallet changer that either serves one machine, or can be extended with pallet transport.

Vertical machining centres equipped with a rotary table, mounted on a swivelling trunnion to provide fourth and fifth CNC axes are available from a number of suppliers, but the new Hermle C 30 U and C 40 U gantry-type models from Geo Kingsbury take the technology a step further.

The German machine builder has introduced multiple options for automation based on a pallet changer that either serves one machine, or can be extended with pallet transport and storage to configure a complete manufacturing cell.

Likewise there are many options for loading, handling and unloading the components themselves.

The smaller machine has a 650 x 600 x 500 mm working envelope while that of the larger model is 850 x 700 x 500 mm.

Each is available in two variants, one with linear acceleration of 6 m/s2 to 45 m/min axis traverse and a chip-to-chip time of around 5.5 seconds, and a 'dynamic' version with uprated specifications of 10 m/s2, 60 m/min and 4.5 seconds respectively.

Noteworthy on all models are the use of a linear motor for table rotation, and a mineral casting bed for stable, vibration-free machining.

The bed has a novel arrangement of three staggered linear guideways, one being central to, and set back from, the outer two.

This effectively halves the span and gives stable Y-axis traverse owing to three-point support combined with a single drive unit in line with the central carriage on the gantry.

On installations with a pallet changer, pallet size is 320, 400, 500 or 630 mm square, the latter being an option on the C 40 U only.

Hydraulic counterbalance in the vertical axis, pneumatic pallet clamping at the set-up station, and removal of contamination from reference surfaces are integral functions, and there is a media distributor for pneumatic or hydraulic workpiece clamping in fully automatic mode.

A storage and high speed handling system is available for workpieces up to 250 mm cubed and 40 kg in weight.

Alternatively, a shuttle system can be positioned to the left of the machine; or a fully conveyorised, turnkey package may be specified.

Production capability is enhanced by 65 rpm rotational speed of the 360-degree rotary table (B-axis) and up to 25 rpm rotation of the trunnion (A-axis).

Maximum table load is 1,400 kg for the larger machine and 800 kg for the smaller.

The user is able to choose twin rotary tables on the trunnion, a 1,070 x 700 mm fixed table capable of supporting two tonnes, and an NC rotary indexing head built into one side of the bed.

The latter two options may be specified singly or together in place of the trunnion, which can also be replaced by a 360 degree indexer driven from both ends and with 20 clamping positions on four sides.

This is especially useful when machining relatively small, near-net-shape castings or forgings requiring minimal metal removal and hence very short cycle time per component.

Modular features of both machines include tool magazine extensions to 197 positions, graphite machining packages, and four spindle options from 10,000 rpm/32 kW/200 Nm to 40,000 rpm/26 kW/17 Nm to suit diverse applications from contouring moulds from tool steel to high speed machining of light alloys for the aerospace industry.

Control options are Heidenhain iTNC 530 or Siemens Sinumeric 840 D, both of which are Ethernet enabled for networking.

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